"This fall, I’ve already had three friends send me an email or text with the same question: “Which is the best fleece jacket?” It can be a difficult question to answer, because there are so many fleece jackets available, and because the best fleece jacket for you will vary widely depending on what you want to do with it..."
Click here to read the rest of this article on Rock/Creek's blog!

I'm 6'1" and 210 and I got an XL and it fits perfectly. Super comfortable, very light(hardly even notice I'm wearing it). Didn't get to go hiking in it yet so I can't comment on the durability. But the breathability is good too. Had two compliment the first time I wore it on how classy it looked too.

This is the single best technical fleece I've ever owned. The R2 fleece is incredibly warm, but incredibly breathable; because it's so breathable, wind comes right through it, so this is really best as a mid-layer as opposed to outerwear.

This jacket has an athletic fit, and the trim profile makes it very comfortable to layer beneath a shell jacket. Its high-loft fleece is stretchy and comfortable. This jacket also has Polartec Power Stretch panels on the sides for additional breathability and range of motion, and the full zippers makes it easy to vent if the sun decides to peek out.

On a recent January backpacking trip in the Smoky Mountains, I was surprised by a significant winter storm, with temperatures hovering around freezing and several inches of snow falling overnight and throughout my hike. Along the trail, especially in the lower gaps between mountains, it was snowing sideways, with 40mph wind gusts.

At camp in a shelter along the Appalachian Trail, I was toasty and warm in a Patagonia Capilene 3 crew, Patagonia R2 jacket and Marmot Zeus down vest. Back out on the trail, all I had to do was replace the down vest with my Gore-Tex shell, and the same combination of Cap 3 & R2 kept me warm and dry, while breathing so well that I never felt wet or clammy as I slogged through the snow.

It's also worth mentioning how green Patagonia is with most of their products; as of 2011, Patagonia has bumped the recycled content of this piece up to 60%.

If I lost this somehow, I'd buy another immediately. Nothing else in my closet comes close.

Having just moved to the northwest and taking up hiking/backpacking I was recommended this jacket as a great insulating layer. It does its job. It works best under a waterproof/windproof shell, but I do use it on its own at times, and functions just as well. It's extremely lightweight and can compress to the size of a baseball.

Bought this years ago before going to Alaska. Didn't realize how this would become my go everywhere jacket. It's warm on a cool night, and warn under a shell, it's warm breathable insulation. I've thrown everything at it from backcountry skiing to freezing temps in Saskatchewan. Due to its breathability, it's not wind proof at all, but under a shell it's crazy how warm it becomes. It's also compressible and lightweight so it usually comes along without much thought. I have had the R2 jacket over five years and the integrity of the fleece is just like i bought it yesterday. If you're looking for a great layering piece, look no further, it's just right for a mid-weight fleece

This is a perfect all-weather fleece. It is great to wear on cool fall days, and to layer in the winter. You feel warm when you need to, but never too hot as it breathes well.

I bought it for my husband for his birthday 3 months ago and I rarely see him without it. The best part is the softness on the inside and out. I have the same woman's R2 which is a year older and his is much more comfy.

It looks great as well. I cannot think of one bad thing to say about it. It is definitely a favorite and gets worn daily.

I picked up the R2 to replace an aging Mountain Hardwear Monkey Man (also a GREAT fleece), mainly due to the slightly lighter weight (maybe just mental) and less bulky feel. This jacket has already served well as a light layer under a rain shell or stand alone to knock off the chill. It is NOT windproof, or even wind resistant, so if you want that, check out the R4. Otherwise, this has to be one of the best lightweight full-zip fleeces around.

It layers well, is super soft and comfortable, the colors are always great and it's easy to match other layering pieces in the (R)egulator series with Capilene 2, etc...

Overall, this is a great choice for everything from cruising the sidewalks of your hometown to nailing the final move of your latest boulder project. The ONLY downside is the material around the zippers; It's a bit stiff at first, but in a way, it makes zipping easier since the fabric can't move as much. If you need a solid, mid-weight fleece, this is it.